1934 Match Box Holder Zephyr Train Denver-Chicago Trip Century of Progress Expo.
Description: This is a small metal match box holder used to protect a small match box. The match box holder commemorates the trip taken by the Burlington Zephyr train on May 26, 1934 from Denver to Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition. The Burlington Zephyr was the fastest train at the time and made the 1015 mile trip in a little bit over 13 hours (785 minutes) at a speed of 77.6 MPH. The Box shows a winged allegorical person (presumably Zephyr) pointing forward with one hand and resting the other hand over a streamlined train within a dark circle and having the words "ZEPHYRUS THE WEST WING" below the image. The back of the holder talks about the maker of the Burlington Zephyr, the Edward G. Budd Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, PA. The side of the holder discusses the details of the trip and the speed of the train. The holder comes with a small match box, which we are not certain if it is from the 1930s, but that is how we got the piece and we are selling it as found. The piece is soiled and exhibits some minor losses in the image on top. It also has some surface scratches and a few minor dings. The match box holder is unmarked as to its maker. A great looking and unusual commemorative match box holder worthy of a spot in your collection of Tobacciana items, Century of Progress Exposition related collection, or Rail Road related collection. Pleases carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1934.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~1 3/4" by ~1 3/8" by ~1/2" and weighs about half an ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: An interesting and rather unusual match box holder. It would make a great addition to your tobacco/smoking related collection, rail road related collection, or Century of Progress Exposition related collection.
Condition: The match box holder is in overall good condition with no major problems. The match box within the holder shows wear commensurate with its age and function. We are not certain that the match box is as old as the holder, but we are selling the piece as found. The piece is soiled and exhibits some minor losses in the image on top. It also has some surface scratches and a few minor dings. The match box itself shows some minor losses and color fading. It fits tightly in the holder and is not very easy to get out. Be that as it may, this is a very nice historical piece commemorating an important rail road event, a great exposition and would make a nice addition to your tobacco/smoking collection. A nice and very unusual piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
